FEWnet

Here's what FEWnet members are saying

Wanted: Technically strong accountants with good Excel skills. More than ever, we are feeling the crunch of finding qualified accounting candidates to fill our open positions. Some of us have been sharing ways to test for solid software skills and many of us have taken recruiting into our own hands by utilizing our FEWnet small groups. In fact, several FEWnet small group members have been able to fill open staff accounting roles out of referrals that come from our monthly lunches. Something to think about next time you are wondering if you can juggle a small group commitment or if you can make that next lunch meeting.
Outsourcing: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Companies, large and small, continue to see outsourcing as a valuable tool for getting products to market quickly; ramping up IT services on an as needed basis; and taking on new, more complex projects without significantly increasing expenses. These rewards come with their fair share of challenges, including navigating time zones, cost issues, and education or language gaps. General consensus is that it is one thing to outsource AP, but when you get into outsourcing "the core" there can be some serious ramifications around processes, quality, and job security (just to name a few). Some feel that there will be a boomerang effect and companies will start moving these things back to the U.S. when time and money become a factor.
MBA programs. Are we getting enough bang for our buck? Several FEWnet members have their MBA or are in the process of completing their program. Motivation behind the MBA has been a popular topic of discussion. Some are in it for the extended learning, whereas others are in it for the credentials and career opportunities that an MBA may bring. Key topics of discussion have also included the value differential between having a finance focus or expanding one's skill base into other areas (such as marketing). Motivation and value become even more important factors as companies continue to offer tuition reimbursement and employees look at ways to validate their choice to return to school.

	The Scoop on FEWnet
	"Statistics are a lot like bikinis. What they reveal is important but what they hide is vital." - W.C. Fields Spring is always a special time for us because it's the time of year when FEWnet women celebrate our industry and the connections that we've made through our unique community. This year's event was especially action packed -- a compelling keynote speaker, an energetic fashion show, and the sparkle of jewels. Of course, the fine bubbly selections and music were also widely appreciated. We received some great feedback, with plenty of praise for this year's speaker, Robyn Waters. A national speaker, author, and former VP of Trend, Design, and Product Development at Target, many of Robyn's messages resonated with our group and so we thought we'd share a few of the items she discussed that evening. Read on! "Trends are indicators that point to what's going on in the hearts and minds of consumers. And there's a big difference between a trend tracker and what I call a Trendmaster. A trend tracker looks at the signs to help his or her business stay up to the minute. A Trendmaster, however, uses the trend information to determine where that minute is going. Trendmasters start out by observing a trend, but then they translate that trend information into a direction that makes sense for their companies and their customers. "So...you want to spot the next big thing? Chances are you've already seen it. What you need to do is let yourself recognize it. Put your antennae out, your periscope up, your scanner on high, and tune in to the little things, the trivial nuances, and the irrelevant data that everyone else misses. On its own, each tidbit is meaningless; strung together, they are ahas waiting to be noticed." Reprinted with permission by the author from: "The Trendmaster's Guide," by Robyn Waters. For more information about Robyn and how to order a copy of her book, go to www.rwtrend.com.
	We are currently looking at forming a monthly lunch networking group in the North Metro. Please let us know if you or a colleague are interested in joining in the fun by dropping us a note or calling Dori at 952-345-4143. The more the merrier, we always say!

	Spotlight
	Meet your fellow FEWnet member "The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion." - Nadia Boulanger Carolee Lindsey is a Partner with Ocel, Heimer & Associates, Ltd., a full service CPA firm with a niche in construction and privately owned businesses. Located in the upper heavens of the IDS Tower in Downtown Minneapolis, Carolee enjoys her work and is passionate about her company's familial culture and focus on helping clients succeed in all areas of their lives. A Minot State University alumnus, Carolee went on to receive her Master of Accountancy from the University of North Dakota. She joined Arthur Andersen right out of graduate school, where she worked in audit for 10 years before moving to Ernst & Young. She later became the VP of Finance for arctic explorer Ann Bancroft's company and credits this time as being "one of the most amazing opportunities" of her life. Currently, Carolee is a Partner focusing on audit, accounting, and tax services for privately owned companies. In the heat of the busy season, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down and hear more about the challenges and joys of working for a smaller public accounting firm, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and plotting her return to the golf course. Click to learn more

	Announcements
	What's going on in our marketplace Trainer and Speaker Showcase. Preview 16 of the nation's leading trainers, as well as keynote and motivational speakers from the faculty of Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center, as they deliver cutting-edge mini-workshops on essential workplace competencies. Enjoy a thoroughly engaging and entertaining day, find out what's new in the training world, and discover solutions to your organization's specific training needs. June 9, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Click here for more information Women in Business Awards Luncheon. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal will host the 9th annual Women in Business awards luncheon to recognize 25 Women to Watch and 25 Industry Leaders. The event will also honor one woman with the Career Achievement award and one male CEO with the Ally award. Thursday, July 27, 2006, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis 11:00 a.m. Registration and Networking 11:30 a.m. Lunch is served 12:15 p.m. Program begins Registration and more information
	Perm candidates and long-term contractors available Contractor 1 Technical skills: Audit, budgeting, business plans, depreciation, financial reporting and analysis, general ledger, internal audit, fixed assets, public accounting, revenue recognition, hands on Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), and more! Computer skills: Crystal Reports, Excel, QuickBooks, Quicken, SAP. Industry experience: Agribusiness, construction, financial services, health care, manufacturing, nonprofit, retail, software. This CPA has a solid public and industry background with SOX expertise to boot. SEC, acquisitions, benefits, and IPO experience round out this high impact contributor! Bill rate: $79/hr. Contractor 2 Technical skills: Accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, computer conversions, audit, account analysis, financial analysis and reporting, internal audit, inventory costing, public accounting, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), year end close. Computer skills: Excel, SAP, Access, PowerPoint. Industry experience: Manufacturing, computers, wholesale. This financial professional has it all - intelligence, presence, and personality. A hands on industry leader with big company experience, this contractor is the perfect fit for those who need a strategic, operationally focused professional to move their projects forward! Bill rate: $145/hr. Perm Candidate 1 Technical skills: General ledger, cost accounting, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), budgeting, consolidations, month and year end close. Computer skills: Access, Excel, SAP, Macros. Industry experience: Construction and manufacturing. A technically strong Senior Accountant with experience supporting the month and year end close process, forecasting, standard costing, variance analysis and more. This candidate has solid SOX compliance procedure experience and a personable demeanor that makes for a good fit for any team! Target compensation: $60,000. Perm Candidate 2 Technical skills: Activity based cost, accounts payable and receivable, audit, budgeting, business plans, cash management, financial reporting and analysis, financial presentations, financial modeling, fixed assets, general ledger, inventory costing, month and year end close, payroll, revenue recognition, supervision. Computer skills: MAS 90, ADP, Ceridian, Excel, Great Plains, JD Edwards, Peachtree, QuickBooks, Quicken. Industry experience: Construction, health care, law, manufacturing, nonprofit, retail, warehouse, distribution. A "hands on" leader with 20 years of experience spanning accounting, finance, and process roles in small to mid-sized companies, this polished communicator has a knack for helping companies move forward. Target compensation: $95,000. Call Certes at 952-345-4140 for more information about our outstanding contractors and candidates! Click here for an available list of other Certes Contractors Click here for an available list of other Perm Placement Network Candidates